WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Eva Longoria is putting her star power to use by helping to push for the election of more Latinos to political office.

The star, along with Democratic National Committee Finance Chairman Henry Munoz III, announced the formation of the Latino Victory Project, jumpstarting their efforts with the endorsement of seven candidates.

The group raised $30 million under the name the Futuro Fund to help reelect President Obama in 2012, and in 2013 helped raise money to donate to members of Congress who support immigration reform.

The group's aim is to bring Latino representation in Congress and in state offices in line with the the 17 percent of the United States population that identify as Hispanic. Among seated elected officials, there are two Latino governors, three senators and 25 members of the House of Representatives.

“These numbers clearly aren’t representative of today’s American landscape,” Longoria said Monday. “And we want a political landscape to match those identities.”

“Neither major political party can dispute that one of America’s fastest-growing populations is dramatically underrepresented in all aspects of our public life," LVP President Cristobal Alex said. “The candidates who were supported by its PAC today hold positions that reflect the values of the Latino community: immigration reform, education, a clean environment and access to quality healthcare. Those candidates were selected without regard to party, and the PAC will support others in the future who hold these same positions on these issues.”

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